JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 21, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 21, 2020

Eric Hansen

3:05

That's going to have to do it today. I need to type, read and think faster, as there are a lot of questions left in the queue. Thanks for submitting them. We'll be back next week to do it all over again at noon EDT.

3:02

Jim. thanks, and best to you. I'm not sure how Armstrong matches up as a slot receiver against a cornerback or nickel. He's really good when he has a linebacker or safety covering him as a running back. I think it would take an injury or COVID for him to get an opportunity to prove himself all over again. He looked good on a kickoff return this month. I wouldn't give up on him, but he's not a priority right now.

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

3:00

Eric, wishing you the very best as always from a rural hamlet on the Left Coast. My question concerns the virtual non-use of J. Armstrong. Not being plugged in as you are, it's hard to fathom what is truly going on with this perplexing player. I still believe he has legitimate skills that could benefit the Irish in some capacity, particularly when it comes to pass receiving. Couldn't he be brought in on likely pass situations where he has shown he's capable of providing some legitimate production? And since ND is getting literally nothing from the slot position, couldn't the coaching staff at least consider moving Armstrong over to that spot since he appears to have the requisite tools necessary to man that position? In my opinion, it is sheer waste and at least a partial indictment of the offensive coaches that Armstrong has become an absolute non-factor. In short, what the heck is going on with Armstrong and can he somehow salvage what has been a deflating senior season thus far? Stay well and safe.

Eric Hansen

2:59

If we see those kinds of numbers on Saturday, that would be a breakthrough performance. We'll see of that happens.

Lawrence from San Diego

2:56

Hey Eric. What do you think the chances are that Book throws for 300 and 75% on Saturday. That was roughly his average performance in his first 5 games. I’m not usually a hater, but the chances seem pretty low of him hitting that now in any game. Competition level aside, it seems strange for a quarterback after 3 years of development.

Eric Hansen

2:55

ND lost two really good pass rushers in Okwara and Kareem. The two best on this team are Foskey and Ogundeji. COVID has altered the player development model at certain positions and D-line is one of them. I think this line can start to build momentum with all the pieces back now. The revolving door at quarterback hasn't helped, but they've held up remarkably well.

Jay from Chicago

2:52

Hi Eric, as always, thanks for all you do to keep Irish fans well-informed. The last two years the D-Line could get consistent pressure from a 4-man front and I was expecting much of the same this year based largely upon Kelly's preseason praise of the unit. Sacks, pressures & turnovers seems to be lacking, however. What are the major factors leading to the disconnect?

Eric Hansen

2:52

I do think ND's run game is better than in 2018, but I'm not going to deny two things: Clemson is the best team in the country and the most balanced on both sides of the ball of any of the top 10 teams. The Oct. 17 version of Notre Dame can't show up on Nov. 7.

Gene from NY

2:50

Hi Eric, Thanks as always for great coverage. Louisville defense looked like blueprint for Clemson, just replace with better athletes across the board. Book, who took a step forward against Florida State, took two steps back Saturday. Other than praying for a blizzard and subzero temps, is there anything you can point to that doesn’t scream of a repeat of playoff game pounding?

Eric Hansen

2:50

I don't think that's realistic (and I agree he's fun to watch). I think he's going to want to get on with life.

Doug from Sunny Florida

2:49

Eric, Shaun Crawford is a dynamic and exciting player to watch. No matter where you put him on the field, he goes full speed and makes plays. I've enjoyed watching him since the game against MSU in 2017 when MSU was getting ready to score after being down early and Shaun caused a fumble at the goal line and recovered it in the end zone. He's a gamer! My question is what do we need to do to convince him to come back for a 7th year?

Eric Hansen

2:48

Andrew, I've got to be honest with you, I'm paying far more attention to whether there's a ketchup stain on my shirt than what the helmets look like. It's not a bad question at all. It just doesn't register with me during a game.

Andrew, Chicago

2:47

Eric, any insight to why the helmets look so bad (I guess imo) especially at night? We look like Blue and brass not gold. Watching older games from 2012-2015 the helmets look perfect. What gives?

Eric Hansen

2:47

I disagree with your assessment of the defense. To hold Javian Hawkins to 51 yards and 3.4 per carry was outstanding, as well limiting Tutu Atwell to 32 receiving yards. 3 of 9 on third down? I'll take it. I don't think ND will lose to Pitt, but it'll be a tough game. Pitt doesn't have the offensive balance to win a lot of games.

John Walled Lake MI

2:43

Hi Eric, how are you doing today. I believe Notre Dame will lose to Pittsburgh. Notre Dame will not be able to run against Pittsburgh defense, thus they will be force to pass, and with the anemic passing game, they will be unable to move the ball. Notre Dame will not be able to slow down Pittsburgh passing. The only reason Louisville did not have many yards is because they did not have the ball a lot and the key possession there Quarterback was on the bench nursing an injury. So it is very misleading to think our defense played a good game. Eric can you please give me your thoughts on my evaluation of the game.

Eric Hansen

2:41

I probably would have flexed the multiple tight end sets down there a little more Saturday. Some of it was Book's accuracy, I probably would have run a little bit more.

Bill 1000 Oaks Ca

2:40

What would you do specifically to improve ND’S red zone performance? Thought Austin,Henderson,Mayer showed well.Seems we have lots of weapons in various sizes but miss Claypool’s hands.Maybe McKinley only a step away? Please stay well looking forward to your incisive comments.Go Irish!,,

Eric Hansen

2:39

I'm going to let you down, because I can't convince you that you're wrong. ND's offense and Book need to evolve between now and November. You can't have a hole that size in your game when you play the elite teams.

Dave

Dave from Ponte Vedra, FL. Faithful reader, first time participant. I’m extremely pleased with the progress I’ve seen over the past 10 years—better talent, better coaching. That said, it’s impossible to watch Clemson or Alabama and think we are in the same conversation as those two. We have good athletes, they have elite. I fear another Clemson blowout since we are incapable of pushing the ball downfield. It’s not all on Book, I don’t see our receivers getting much separation. No deep game will equal no running game. Convince me I’m wrong, please.

2:37

Dave from Ponte Vedra, FL. Faithful reader, first time participant. I’m a loyal Irish fan of more than 59

Eric Hansen

2:36

Some of it's injury-related (Keys with a concussion). He did not start out strong this year, however.

ND Harvey from Philly Pa

2:35

E, hope all is well. Please tell me why we can’t find someone to return punts. Thank you, Be Safe. Go Irish

Eric Hansen

2:35

Joe, I haven't seen enough of LSU yet to get a grasp of how that move is working out yet. To a lesser extent, Kelly did something similar with the hiring of tight ends coach John McNulty, although he doesn't have the title to suggest his influence. He's someone who's worked with Rees and had NFL experience and experience as a college offensive coordinator.

Joe vrabec

2:33

Hi Eric ...hope you are well. This is Joe vrabec from New York. When LSU hired Linehan , it was to help the OC..... could that be a move Kelly could try? Or would he not want to release any power to a coach like that?

Eric Hansen

2:32

I think the way you phrased this was very fair. Jurkovec's numbers are actually pretty similar to Book's in terms of passing efficiency (138.0 to 133.9). But Book is playing behind an infinitely better line. BC is 75th out of 77 in rush offense and has given up 18 sacks in five games, so they're 72nd out of 77 in terms of protecting their quarterback. Your question really comes down to was Jurkovec's claims that he wasn't developed properly at ND legit? I think even Brian Kelly would admit that to a certain extent, which is one reason he changed offensive coordinators. But part of it still falls on Kelly. And it is hard not to wonder had Phil been developed AND given the chance.

Dwight from Arkansas

2:15

I don't think many will argue that Ian Book is an incredible competitor. As B. Kelly has pointed out he is 23-3 as a starter. In fairness, I also don't think we can argue that he has the skill set of many of his peers. It appears he has 'topped out' with his abilities--his arm strength is what it is, his accuracy is at times suspect. Reports are that he is reading defenses better and maybe staying more in the pocket, but decision making can be at question. The now departed Jurkovec appears to have a much higher 'skill set' in looking at his early numbers. We hear that ND does not develop quarterbacks, that may be largely unfair, but people throw it out there. Given Book's steady though perhaps unspectacular play, and Jurkovec's gawdy early stats at BC, do you think Jurkovec was properly brought along at ND? Is BC's ability to harvest a qb's potential simply better? It is hard not to wonder what kind of numbers Jurkovec could have put up at ND given the chance.

Eric Hansen

2:14

James, I caught part of the Georgia Tech-Louisville game the week before and the freshman QB for Tech (Jeff Sims) was beating the Cardinals deep. So it's difficult to square that against what Notre Dame did in the passing game. BK emphasized problems in the red zone, but I think the issues went beyond that. Javon McKinley didn't have a good day, but neither did Book.

James Dallas,TX

2:09

Eric there are a lot of questions about Ian Book’s development and whether he can win the big game but how much of the early season passing game issues may be related to our Receivers inability to create separation or get open? Watching the game Saturday there was a lot of commentary about how good Louisville’s coverage was but that again may speak to the Receivers poor performance.

Eric Hansen

2:08

The Playoff semifinal sites are the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl this season. So if ND goes 12-0, that means they beat Clemson twice. That would be an easy playoff selection. So 50-50, they'd be sent to the Rose Bowl. ... At 11-1, it means they split with Clemson or swept the Tigers and lost to someone else. I think an 11-1 ND team might have a chance, given the Pac-12 is only playing seven games and none of those teams are expected to be top 5 teams. And unless Oklahoma State runs the table, the Big 12 could be in trouble too.

cederick walker

2:04

if notre dame finish 12-0 or 11-1 do u think they make the college football playoff rose bowl ced walker saginaw michigan

Eric Hansen

2:03

Jordan, you're welcome and glad you enjoyed it. To your recruiting question, it's not just about getting a given five-start prospect through admissions, it's identifying those who can survive in the classroom once they clear admissions and have the drive to want to take that on during their college football careers. In the 2011 class, five-star Stephon Tuitt turned out to be a good fit. Five-star Aaron Lynch did not. So the retention ability has to figure into that recruiting formula. And yes there are areas where ND can improve its recruiting. BK is committed to that.

Jordan from SB

1:58

Hey Eric, thanks for releasing the Michigan debacle article a couple weeks ago. That was a great piece but it made me wonder why after 30 years of coaching BK finally believes it takes top 5 recruiting classes to reach the mountain top. Obviously he's seen the success Bama, Georgia, OSU has had because of the Jimmy's and Joe's that they get. Does he feel he can get some leeway from admissions on boarderline prospects or was he arrogant enough to think he would beat the elite programs with 3 and 4 stars?

Eric Hansen

1:58

Stan, thanks for being part of the chat. 1. Austin more and more. Wilkins is going to get a shot. 2. It doesn't look like Pickett is going to play, so no. 3. I think the tight ends will be a bigger part of the game plan ... but also in the running game and in providing some help vs. Pitt's really strong pass rush. 4. No to the COVID protocols if I understood that question correctly. 5. I think ND is anticipating a strong pass rush and a loaded box, yes.

Stan from Rockford IL

1:54

Thanks for these chats. Well done. We look forward to them. A five-part question. Answer whichever ones you want. Will this week be the week we finally see more of Austin or any of WRs Johnson or Wilkins? Will DC Lea pressure a QB recovering from his ankle injury? Will the TEs be more a part of the passing game? Will CoVid protocols re:travel and end of week prep be a determining factor in NDs first road game? Will the O’ scheme be ready for inevitable blitzes and them packing the box? Best wishes and health to you and your family.

Eric Hansen

1:53

Beyond special teams, his playing time will be tied to how well he adapts to playing the rover position after coming to ND as a safety. Even then, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is going to be on the field a lot.

Will New York

1:49

Is Isiah Pryor ever going to play?

Eric Hansen

1:48

Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (95) is just getting back from being in isolation with COVID. He played seven snaps Saturday without having practiced much. I think you'll see a significant increase this week. As for (57) Jayson Ademilola, he's really talented but needs to improve on being in the right place and on his technique. He's still an ascending player, but MTA is the top option when he's healthy.

Tom from Grand Rapids, MI

1:44

Eric, what is the status of #95, nothing against #57 but there appears to be a noticeable drop in performance between the two. Also do you have any information as to the constant rotation of the defense front seven. Is it a ‘keep them fresh’ or situation specific? If situation specific could it pigeonhole the defense and create unforeseen mismatches?

Eric Hansen

1:43

Jordan Johnson has played 14 snaps this season. When will he play again? Maybe later in the year. I think there are too many options right now that the coaching staff trusts more than they trust Johnson.

RK from Sartell MN

1:41

When will we see our 5 star wide receiver play this year??

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